Making folk music for the modern era, Lee Murdock’s work is an anthem to the people who live, work, learn and play along the freshwater highways of the Great Lakes.

The music is grounded in the work song tradition, from the rugged days of lumberjacks and wooden sailing schooners. Murdock comes alongside with ballads of contemporary commerce and revelry in the grand folk style. Lee’s fans have discovered a sweetwater treasure in his songs about the Great Lakes, finding drama and inspiration in the lives of sailors and fishermen, lighthouse keepers, ghosts, shipwrecks, outlaws and everyday heroes.

There is an amazing timelessness in this music. Great Lakes songs are made of hard word, hard living, ships that go down and ships that come in. Taking snapshots from history, his songs summon the listener to take a front-row seat, to look through the eyes and into the hearts of individuals who have shaped our heritage on and around the Great Lakes. His concerts invoke a sense of place, but it is a universal place, and a timeless repertoire that celebrates the North American people, their triumphs and tragedies, work songs and pastimes.

A small agency by design, Artists of Note provides exclusive representation for a select group of nationally touring performing artists. Coloring our niche in The Folk Arts with a broad brush, we offer to your stage and upon these pages a passionate group of musicians, writers and artists whose work is a reflection of our shared history, our diversity, and creativity. Grounded in the Humanities, these artists have a deep understanding of the origins of their repertoire, and a long history of touring and sharing this knowledge in performance, workshops and arts in education. From this limited roster, we offer potential for live arts experiences that will bring a profound sense community and personal connection to those who share in them. We take pride in fostering and maintaining long-term Artist relationships, and we stand behind these artists because of our long-shared experience. With more than 25 years of service to the arts community as both artists and presenters, we’ve had the pleasure to work with many wonderful people. Our family of talented artists are among the best in original music and storytelling. Through their art we can experience an inherent joy, compassion and insight into who we are and our relationships to the world we live in, as well as a vision for what could be. Please take the time to become familiar with each of the artists on our roster, then contact us for specific booking information or inquiries.